At Home with Central (80)

2019 is almost here; a great New Years Resolution is to SAVE MONEY where you can! So, below we created a list of energy saving strategies you can adopt - to save money and make your home more eco-friendly throughout the New Year.

Reduce HVAC Costs During Cooler Months

Stop Air Leaks from Entering Your Home

Air leaks allow the cold air to enter your home and make your household temperature drop, which in turn makes your furnace work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. The most likely areas where cold air can creep in are around windows and doorways. An effective way to check for air leaks is by lighting a small candle and walking the candle around to areas where you expect there may be drafts or there are cold spots in your house. If you have in fact encountered a draft, you will know because the candle flame will flicker. Once the candle flickers, seal it up with either caulk or weather stripping.

Save Money by Adjusting Your Thermostat

When you just can’t get warm in your home, it is tempting to crank up the heat to comfortable at night. As odd as it sounds, the remedy is to turn the temperature down…not up (at night that is)! Your body responds better to falling asleep and staying asleep at a lower consistent temperature. According to www.sleep.org the suggested bedroom temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. So before you close your eyes for the night, adjust your thermostat so your room is cooler rather than warmer and just layer on blankets if need be. Overall you’ll save money and have a better night’s sleep.

Extra Layers SAVE Money

In the winter months instead of cranking up the thermostat, so you can be warm in a t-shirt, just put on a sweatshirt or sweater…or wrap a throw blanket around you if you are just relaxing on the couch. By reducing your thermostats temperature from 72 to 70 degrees you can save up to 5% in energy costs. So layer on the savings!Reduce HVAC Costs During Warmer Months

Keep your Air Conditioning Unit Cool

By providing a shaded area for your AC unit, you actually help it to run at its best! The goal is to reduce the amount of sunlight that directly beats down on the unit. Some ideas to accomplish this is to plant a tree or bush near it to reduce the sun exposure, or consider building a compatible structure or shed that provides direct shade. By keeping your AC unit cooler, it allows it to work more efficiently in your home.

Circulating the Air to Keep Cool

Fans can be a magical invention in keeping your house cooler. By adding a ceiling fan or other fans you circulate the air so it redistributes throughout your home. The circulating fan helps take some of the pressure off the AC unit so it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Cooling an Empty House is a Waste of Money

In the warmer months we tend to be spending more time outside and on vacations and extended trips where no one benefits from a cool home. So during these times, keep your thermostat turned up a little warmer. Every degree counts when it comes to energy cost savings. Keep your home come cooler when you’re home to enjoy it.

As always, no matter the season or time of year, your Comfort is our Central concern! Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing and drain cleaning needs.

We service Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead.

At some point, no matter how well you care for your HVAC system it will ultimately need to be replaced with a newer, more efficient model. If you are wondering whether you should add it to your list this year, here are a few signs that will help you know whether adding a new HVAC system to your home is going to be needed this Christmas or in the near future.

Have Your Energy Bills Have Increased Over the Past Year?

It’s normal for your energy bills to fluctuate as the seasons change, but to identify whether your costs have increased, compare your bills against the same month from the previous year or two. If no dramatic changes have taken place to warrant a substantial increase, then with all things being equal, your bills should be very similar to previous years. If you notice a sharp increase in your heating and cooling costs without a reason, you should immediately call Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical and schedule a service call.

Does Your HVAC System Struggles to Maintain a Steady Household Temperature?

If your HVAC system seems to be continually turning on and off throughout the day, in an effort to maintain a consistent temperature, there IS a reason. It may be as simple as an inaccurate thermostat, but these things need to be taken seriously and as quickly as possible to avoid serious long-term damage and increased energy bills.

Is Your System Older than 10-15 years?

Is the heat pump or AC is more than 10-years old or your furnace or boiler is more than 15-years old? If so, the EPA suggests replacing your HVAC system with a newer model. Once most systems reach a decade+, many of the main components in your HVAC system begin to wear out and you increase your chances of unexpected breakdowns. Not to mention, holding on to an older system can actually cost you more money because of increased energy bills and more frequent repair costs. But…with regular, proper maintenance and care, it’s not unheard of for HVAC systems to last beyond their average lifespan.

Is There Constant HVAC System Breakdowns?

Minor breakdowns are not that unusual for HVAC systems as they age, but you and your service technician should be diligent in taking a closer look at the major system components if you are needing repairs on a yearly basis. Ongoing issues and repairs typically are a clear indication that there is a bigger problem taking place, and may mean it’s time for a complete system replacement.

Ways to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

Because replacing your HVAC system is one of the most expensive home maintenance tasks you will likely encounter as a homeowner, you’ll want to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help extend the life of your system:

Schedule tune-ups twice a year – Schedule your air conditioning tune-up in the spring and your furnace tune-up in late summer or early fall.

Change your filter regularly – If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own or just don’t have the time, call on the pros at Central and have a certified service technician check the filters during the bi-annual tune up.

Check your condenser – Your condenser is located outside your home and meant to stand up to the elements. But you still need to check to make that it has not been damaged by storms or blocked by leaves or other vegetation. Your condenser needs room to breathe to work efficiently too.

Get a “Smart” Thermostat – Smart thermostats make energy efficiency easy. They are east to program and can be controlled from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.

Whether you’re in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead Valley - At Central we care that your systems are running smoothly any time of year!

Are you still depending on the thermostat that was installed when your house was built or you purchased it 20 or 30 years ago? If so, now may be a good time to consider an upgrade to a newer more energy efficient model.

Why Invest in a New Thermostat?

There are several advantages to replacing an older thermostat and purchasing a new one. The programmable thermostats of today are advanced and will improve your overall comfort and quality of air experience.

Your Comfort

Today’s technology is intuitive and allows homeowners to take advantage of the energy savings with the new advanced settings, without losing the benefit of the overall temperature they enjoy. You can create customized settings to fit your schedule and maintain a dependable controlled temperature.

Improve Efficiency as you Lower Energy Output

Programmable thermostats have more sensitive sensors and settings and are designed to improve efficiency and reduce the need for manual control. According to the Department of Energy, you may save 10% or more on your energy bills just by upgrading to a programmable thermostat.

Environmentally Smart

Smart-driven thermostats overall - use less energy and create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious environment. They also respond to the natural variations in temperature throughout the day.

Ready to make the upgrade?

Are you ready to upgrade? All you need to do is give Central a call today and we can have a certified specialist come to your home and discuss your options with you. This small investment delivers great rewards!

You’re hosting Thanksgiving Dinner and the excitement is brewing as your guests begin to arrive. You have everything planned out so perfectly, right down to the perfect menu… and then the unthinkable happens, an unexpected plumbing disaster!!

It’s easy to rely on the fact that your plumbing will just continue to faithfully work as it always has for years - filling, flowing, flushing and draining. But when an unexpected pipe leaks through the ceiling or you get a drain clog that you weren’t anticipating, your excitement can turn to stress in a matter of minutes.

Don’t panic, the plumbing pros at Central Heating, Cooling Plumbing and Electrical are here to help!

In the mean time here are few helpful tips:

To avoid these kind of unexpected plumbing disasters before they occur, contact Central today! We offer yearly preventative plumbing inspections.

Make sure you know where your shut-off valves are and how to use them before a disaster happens. This will allow you to avoid scrambling in the midst of a plumbing disaster. Shut-off valves can cut off the water flow to a direct fixture, one area of your home or the entire house. If the problem is with a single fixture such as the bathroom or kitchen sink, turning off the shut-off valve to the specific fixture can allow you to wait and schedule a plumbing visit during normal hours, which will save you money and allow you to enjoy the holiday.

Seasonally check all faucets, exposed pipes, shut-off valves and your water heater for leaks. Also take the time to regularly inspect for signs of water damage on your ceiling or walls. Fixing a small leak now can save you a lot of headache and extra expense down the road.

Keep your water heater and furnace clear of any flammable or combustible materials that may cause a fire. While you’re at it, install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector near both systems.

Never pour grease or rendered fat down the drain. Always dispose into the trash.

Use screens in kitchen and bathroom drains to avoid food, hair and other foreign objects clogging the pipes.

If a drain is completely clogged, refrain from using an over the counter drain cleaner; it can create a dangerous pool of caustic water. Call the professionals at Central.

Don’t flush paper towels, feminine products, diapers, hair or other foreign objects down the toilet. These and other items can cause a clog in the pipes and create an overflowing toilet.

Whether it’s a holiday, weekend, late night or during regular business hours…we are here to help! As always, your Comfort is our Central concern! Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing and drain cleaning needs.

What is holding you back from being the “Best You Can Be”, each and everyday. I am not sure if it is a new “BUZZ” word or statement, or because I have read the book by Carol Dweck, called “Mindset”.

I am now hearing these words in all walks of life. The basic overall concept, there are two ‘Mindsets’, a growth mindset or a fixed mindset...the first is in a more “changeable Spirit”, always striving and knowing they can be better and bigger by increasing their skill set...the Fixed Mindset holds on to the past, and finding reasons why not to do this or that, a more “unchangeable spirit,” finding fault in either themselves or the people in their lives, unable to let go of “The Story,” surrounding these relationships…

Many years back, I took the initiative and had my family participate in a “growth well being” workshop called “Landmark Education,” they are still very active in several large communities throughout the United States. A couple of statements shared that still sticks with me today:

- You don’t know, what you don’t know…you know”

- “Do not let the past get in the way of your future possibilities”

And if you really take some time to read into these two statements, there is some heavy meaning behind both... back in the day, I really struggled to grasps their overall true meaning...things that went through my mind...

“With out the past, what really defines who I am” and seriously, every day is a new day let go of yesterday...where is the responsibility in all that??

An example to help understand the first concept...if you have never actually been to Paris France, how do you really know it exists? What… of course Paris France exist?

And if you have never walked in someone’s shoes...how can you judge how they are reacting to a situation, you do not know what they know, as you have never walked their path of life, or you may not have yet lived long enough to grasps the wisdom being brought to the table. Judgment just seems to be running rampant these days, everyone has an “opinion” that they state as a fact, when in the overall big scheme of life, there is just really one ‘TRUE’ fact, and that is that we are going to die someday...that is the one fact that we can ALL agree on.

Lets go back and visit the concept of, not letting the past get in the way of your future possibilities. I remember a moment in time I had with one of my sister-in-laws (nothing in life prepared me for marrying into a family where I was gifted ‘8’ sister-in-laws), we were talking on the phone one day and out of the blue she said, “And what was that look you gave my husband when he got out of the pool?” I am instantly thrown for a loop and trying to go back in time and remember when I was at a pool with her and her husband... it took me back about 3 years.

I can remember the moment briefly, as I had no idea it had made such an impression on this woman. I remember it being late summer and when I saw her husband get out of the pool, all I can remember thinking is how ‘white’, like glaring white his skin was, which I probably definitely did some kind of double take...but overall just a really innocent moment in time, but definitely left a negative impression on this particular sister-in-law to bring it up 3 years later. As our conversation continued on a not so positive note, she had been harboring some other “things” for quite some time. And finally, as our conversation was ending, she said, “You are like a thorn in my side.” (at the time I saw this woman maybe 3 or 4 times a year) I am thinking ‘really’ don’t give me too much credit, and the response that came out of my mouth was, “Well if you get past those thorns you will find a beautiful Red Rose!” and her response, which I do have to give huge ‘kudos’ for, was “Touché!” Things got much better after that conversation.

This concept about letting go of the past, seems easy enough and something like above that I meant no harm, can be harbored for years. Landmark takes this concept to an even higher extreme. I think we all can agree in general that there are tragedies in life, and two different people can have the same tragedy, one seems to be able to move on in life, the other is extremely “stuck” in the story surrounding the event, and cannot get past it, or let go...in essence, letting the past, which we can not go back and change...get in the way of their future possibilities.

At Central I am committed to growing our Team to be the BEST we can be and growing to their full capacity. Now and through the rest of the year and on in to 2019, I have introduced a book called, “No Limits”, by John C. Maxwell. Like ‘Mindset’, your Capacity is either a result of the limits you have, which you must let go of to grow to your full potential.

Now is the time to pull out those dead or spindly flowers from summer and add some local mums and Kale that are easily available this time of year...it is amazing how this can give just the right touch to enjoy this sea- son before the snow flies.

As the seasons change your home also goes through changes due to temperatures and weather conditions fluctuating, your home aging, and of course general neglect. In order to keep all your components of your home working efficiently, and to avoid potentially expensive repairs later, it’s useful to conduct regular maintenance tasks as we approach each season.

As the summer dwindles, this is a perfect time to pre- pare for the upcoming seasonal changes that fall bring our way. Especially here in the Flathead Valley, the fall season may be too late to prepare if it gets cold quickly.

Here are some helpful tips to get ahead of the season and save you money down the road:

1) Check up for roof/gutters/ downspouts and debris removal:

This task is often forgotten because you don’t get the subtle reminders that you often do with other needed maintenance tasks because our roof is not at eye level. Clear out all debris including pine needles, accumulated dirt and leaves from your gutters. This is also the time to examine downspouts for damage or broken pieces. Check the flashing around your chimney and inspect for any possible openings that could cause potential leaking.

2) Inspect the grounds of your property:

Before the cold weather brings snow our way and/or it is too cold to venture outside, do a quick check of any walkways for cracks and loose pieces. Now is the time to fix those potentially dangerous walkways before the ice and snow adds to a potential falling accident.

3) Change the filters in your home:

A furnace filter is one of the most important filters in your home especially if you have issues with asthma or allergies; pets living inside or you smoke. Regular filter replacements will make your furnace last longer and run more efficiently.

4) Do you have drippy faucets?

Most homes have numerous faucets throughout the house in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry and utility rooms. Before the temperatures start to dip, take the time to inspect and fix any drippy faucets you may have. Better to do this now then the dead of winter.

5) Drain the water heater:

Areas prone to hard water can create extra sediment build- up in the tank of your water heater. Fall is a great time to drain the tank and make sure rust is not developing. If your water heater appears rusty after examination or it is extremely old, you may want to consider a new one that will be more cost effective and energy efficient.

6) Examine windows and doors for drafty areas:

A large part of the conditioned air in your house is lost and escapes through the windows and doors of your home. Inspect all windows to ensure that caulking and the seal are in good condition; and replace as needed. Also consider adding thicker drapes around extra drafty windows to help block some of the cold air escaping into the room.

7) Clean and put away outdoor furniture for the season:

In the summer many of us live outside for much of the season. Now that we will be moving back inside, it is good times to power wash any outdoor furniture before putting it away. After cleaning, keep furniture and cushions in dry area to prevent damage, and fading over the colder months. When warm weather arrives again... you’ll be happy you stored them and they will be ready for use!

8) Service garden power tools:

Before long the grass will be in a dormant stage and mowers, trimmers and other tools will need to be put away until next year. Before storing them away, fill-up fluids and get blades sharpened. Extra Tip: If you are in need of new garden power tools, now is a great time to purchase them...With the season almost over, you’ll find some great deals!

9) Prepare pipes, hoses and exterior faucets:

You can save yourself a lot of headaches down the road by providing a little preventative maintenance against the damage that freezing weather can cause to pipes and hoses.

Turn off external shut-off valves for faucets and cover with an insulation kit to prevent against freezing and ice build up.

Drain outdoor hoses and store them in a dry place to avoid splitting and cracking.

Wrap exterior faucets with insulation tape; areas where indoor pipes are exposed and temperature drops should also be tended to in the same fashion.

Enjoy these last days of summer because they are going fast! We hope you use these ten tips to help you get a jump-start on your fall home maintenance.

October 31st is the day where all of the little ghosts and goblins will be wandering around to get their “Tricks” or “Treats”. So here at Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, we thought we’d share a few goodies of our own.

Heating Trick:

Mark your calendar on the wall or in your phone to remind yourself to test and/ or change the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detector alarms. Another great trick is to set a reminder that every time you change your clocks to Daylight saving time, you also replace your furnace filters. These tricks can keep your family safe and provide reminders for simple maintenance tasks that can easily be over looked.

Heating Treat:

Save some money and treat yourself to a programmable thermostat. This smart devise will help you save on energy usage and keep the temperature of your home regulated, so you no longer have to crank up, or turn down the thermostat when you are home after work, heading to bed or leaving the house to show off your costume. Another great treat for yourself is to install ultraviolet lighting in areas of your home that are prone bacteria, mold or other airborne germs. Not only will this improve your home’s overall air quality, but it will also improve the performance of your HVAC systems’ performance.

Electrical Trick:

Whether you’re in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls Bigfork or anywhere in the Flathead Valley, there is no trick involved when hiring a certified Electrician; it’s as easy as giving Central a call at, (406) 756-6656. We can help provide you the best comprehensive services for installations upgrades or repairs.\

Electrical Treat:

It doesn’t matter whether its summer or winter; adding a ceiling fan is a smart treat in any home. A ceiling fan will help circulate the air in your home and make your household temperatures more comfortable.

Plumbing Trick:

If you haven’t taken the time to disconnect your hoses, drain and store them in a dry place for the winter, now is a good time to do this. A couple of handy tricks to keep the hose bib from freezing (outdoor faucet) is to wrap it up in a moving blanket or a pool noodle; this keeps the faucet insulated from the cold. Keep the hose unhooked until after the freeze. You may also want to consider installing a frost-free hose bib to prevent splitting and cracking.

Plumbing Treat:

Want an extra-special treat? Adding a water purifying system can drastically improve the quality of your water and also reduce your out-of-pocket costs when purchasing bottled water. Also radiant heat is a wonderful addition and adds warmth to your floors, towels and more. Ask one of our Central Plumbers for more information on these and other life enhancing products.

Are you ready to make needed repairs, upgrades and enhance the comfort of your home? Whether it’s a programmable thermostat, a new ceiling fan or a new water purifier, as always, your Comfort is our Central concern! Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing and drain cleaning needs. From all of us here at Central, have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Though indoor air quality is important any time of year, it’s crucial in winter, when we seal in allergens, dust mites, and cleaning chemicals to keep our homes warm and save energy. Unfortunately, winter makes your home or business’s air quality much worse. The good news? You can keep your indoor air clean in the winter, too, even if you have pets; it just takes a little planning and a bit of know-how.

What the Stack Effect Means for You

Ever wonder what makes a hot air balloon rise? It’s possible we gave that one away, but, if you missed it, the answer is heat. And guess what’s happening in your home during winter? Your home is heating up. The combination of heat from below and air rising is called the “stack effect,” and it’s the phenomenon whereby air is drawn up from the lowest levels of a structure – through the floors, windows, doors, and then up from the basement or crawlspace. So, basically, you and your family are breathing crawl space air all winter long. In fact, around 40% of the air you breathe in winter is from this “stack effect.”

The Effect of the Stack Effect on Your Health

The toll that poor indoor air quality can take on your life is nothing to sneeze at – though it may cause you to sneeze. At best, it exacerbates the difficulty of dust mite and mold allergies, as well as sensitivities to certain toxic chemicals. At worse, it can cause chronic respiratory problems, heart issues, and even cancer.

The stack effect is a natural consequence of the way HVACs work to keep buildings warm. However, there are some steps you can take to keep your indoor air clean despite the stack effect.

Improve Air Quality in Your Home this Winter – And Every Day After

When your heat clicks on, consider how to balance the stack effect so that poor air quality isn’t stacked against you. Check out these types for clearer indoor air.

Change your furnace’s filter. Before winter starts, have a professional inspect your unit. Then, put a reminder in your calendar to change the furnace’s air filter regularly. Inspect it once a month for particulates. Check the filter’s rating, too, and don’t rely on poor quality for such an important element of your system.

Invest in a Home Humidifier. Whole-home humidifiers work through the air ducts of an HVAC system, fighting the effects of winter dryness like itchy skin, dry nasal passages, and too much static.

Keep Things Tidy. Change your sheets weekly, vacuum every two or three days (more if you have pets), and stay on top of dusting. These small things don’t seem like much, but when they get neglected, they can really affect the air.

Buy an Air Purifier. Air purifiers are great for people who have severe sensitivities or allergies – because sometimes cleaning isn’t enough.

Grow Plants. A few plants will organically help your home’s air stay clean. Peace lilies, English Ivy, spider plants, and rubber plants all help remove toxins from the air.

Of these, staying on top of HVAC maintenance and filter changes is crucial for clean indoor air because it’s where the heat starts.

Clean Air Makes for a Healthier Winter

Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . . when winter comes, windows close and our air quality changes. Business buildings and homes are made to keep winter out – but you can improve your air quality with some small steps.

My last article a few weeks ago focused on customer service and getting our yards ready for our beautiful summers here in the valley. Following is a previous article I wrote and thought it ties in nicely again, at this time of year.

According to HGTV, these are the top trends to invite us outdoors and into our backyards:

Gardens top the list as the No. 1 sought after design element in our backyards. That includes everything from container gardening to getting back to basics of planting and growing our own gardens, especially as more and more people are interested in organic food these days. Create a statement entrance by adding an arbor that guides you as if it was the “front door” to your garden.

Warmth is necessary to keep us out longer in the evenings, and today there are so many options to provide us heat, including various fire-pit designs, propane patio heaters, gas or electric mounted heating units, or our own gas or wood outdoor fireplace.

No backyard outdoor room would be complete without our favorite BBQ. Many outdoor designs include building your BBQ into a counter space, similar to our stoves in our kitchen. A favorite feature of my backyard outdoor island is the extra gas burner I added for those big pots of corn on the cob, or great for a summer lobster feast. Take one step further and include a bar area.

Gone is the traditional picnic table that I remember from my childhood memories. The outdoor dining area is a must, complete with an area rug, a bistro height table and chairs with cushions and an adjustable umbrella to match.

In our yard I added a pergola with an outdoor clear roofing product to let the sun in, but the rain out. This is a very important feature of the outdoor room, to be able to use it during those warm summer evenings where we might get a bit of summer shower; so peaceful.

The tried and true backyard hot tub, or “spas” as they are termed today, is no longer the free standing “hot tub” unit; these are custom built in, and many times built down in the yard today, so that you do have the feel of being at a resort, right out your back door.

Fountains and water features can take an ordinary spot in your yard and take it to the next level. Fountains will create a wonderful focal point, with the special surprise to the sound of the “music” they provide, or maybe it is a pond stocked with goldfish and a water- fall feature. There are so many whimsical water fountains that are designed to sit on top of our outdoor island; just add water and plug in.

Adding outdoor speakers from your indoor sound system is a must.

Ambiance is a must, too. Nothing creates this more than having the proper outdoor lighting. Again, this all depends on the overall feel and the design of your outdoor room. Lighting can consist of fun candle-lit lanterns, to a simple string of lights or actual built- in lighting with a dimmer switch.

Another trend I see in new home designs is this “walk-in walk-out” setting from the kitchen to the outdoor room ... large glass door walls, opening to allow both spaces to become one.

Hosting parties and spending relaxing evenings with family and friends make summer in Montana a special time of the year. As always, your Comfort is our Central concern. Call 756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

Debbi’s Favorite Design Tips for Entertaining Outside:

Always have tiki torches to add some great mood lighting/help with bugs, light about an hour before every- one arrives ... line along walkways and patio area.

Use lanterns on tables and where your guests may enter.

Always have a vase of your flowers, fun berries and different color leaves and shapes from your perennials and annual flowers you have in your yard.

Keep it simple, and have “A” signature cocktail prepared ahead of time in a pitcher, with fun garnishes and vintage glasses, or fun glassware. Makes this even more special.

Set up a special area for the bar, and always have a flavored water available, not only pretty but refreshing as well (I select a fresh fruit or vegetable in season).

Keep it simple for your- self and make it potluck.

In areas where appetizers may be served, I use summer-style placemats placed randomly on the table for a “Spark of Color.”

Have a theme. It can be as simple as the same color throughout, or more elaborate like attending a Hawaiian luau.

The tableware and napkins can help create your theme, or be part of it.

When our first grandson was born, five years ago, I shared my experience of the difference of the lifestyle experience of having a baby today versus back 30 years ago. My new grandson had his own special suite with his new Mommy and Daddy, and he never left this safe environment, until taking his first car-seat trip home.

Last week, I had a similar experience, my husband Dave and I, along with our daughter, made our way to La Jolla, California, to visit a clinic specializing in working on building a database of research to help us learn how we can prevent versus react to the chronic diseases in our society that are running rampant and becoming more of an expectation of just when it may happen to us.

Health Nucleus is a clinical research and discovery center that is a premier health intelligence platform integrating genomics and an advanced imagining center.

Below is a list of the overall testing we did over about a four-hour period.

1.Whole Body

MRI (Musculoskeletal/ Lipid Analysis)

MRI (Organ Specific RSI)

DEXA Scan

In Body Biometrics

Over 70 Laboratory Diagnostic Tests

3D Forensic Imaging 2. Sequencing

Whole Genome

Metabolome

Microbiome

Brain

NeuroQuant Brain MRI

3D T2 Brain MRI

Diffusion MRI

Neourocognitive Testing

Quant. Gait Testing 4. Pulmonology

Pulmnonary Function

Testing 5. Cardio-Vascular

Echo (2D, 3D, 4D)

ECG

CT (Coronary Calcium Scoring)

2 Week Ambulatory Rhythm Testing (Equiped with a Zio Heart Monitor)

The intent of Human Longevity Inc., the mother ship behind Health Nucleus, is to expand the healthy human lifespan by building the largest human genome sequence center in the world. Their current mission is finding people to participate in a research study to compile our genomes, so at the end of the day, they will create this massive database of personalized genomics that will help our society to help correlate that this gene causes this disease, where this gene with that gene prevents this disease for me but maybe something different for someone else.

It is all about becoming proactive as a society versus reactive when dealing with our health and a better understanding of our predispositions toward the chronic illnesses, a paradigm shift in medicine; to developing a deeper understanding into what can keep us living longer and healthier.

Our experience at Human Nucleus was very impressive and enjoyable. The staff was very accommodating; our room was nice and comfortable, fully stocked with healthy snacks as we had to fast for 12 hours before our visit. Once on site we were given comfortable clothes to change into, a Health Nucleus T-shirt, “scrub” pants, and socks … one of my favorite parts is that I was not asked to take my weight while wearing my shoes, or a jacket and such (Why do traditional doctors’ offices do this? How do you really get an accurate weight each time?) Health Nucleus’ intent is to have us come back each year and be repeatable and consistent to monitoring our own unique well-being.

Each of us is unique in who we are; our genome is our code of instructions for our life, the ingredient list and recipe for our uniqueness. We are made up of 50 percent of our mother and 50 percent of our father … yet unique in our own way from our siblings. Genome is a fancy word for DNA, and by sequencing millions of data, Human Longevity will be able to compare my data to others and create my own genome instruction manual. Their biggest challenge right now is a scaling problem, so through an opportunity from a group of exponential entrepreneurs I belong to, they have scaled down the price considerably.

Along with our inner make-up there are also correlations to our outside influences, lifestyle, environment, and nutrition … what is at the end of our fork can make an overall effect on your overall health well-being, or the buzz word today, “our gut health.” We need to also really look at our food chain today and demand that our large food corporations, and farmers/ranchers are also as committed to human longevity versus maximizing their crop growth by altering our foods that are killing us instead of nutritionally feeding us.

In the book “Genius Foods,” by Max Lugavere, after his mom was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia in her 50s, and yet his grandmother in her 90s was as sharp as a tack, he put his media career on hold to learn all he could about brain health. He highlights 10 brain foods we should have in our daily lives. I strongly suggest getting a copy of this book and incorporating it into your life. The very first brain food is olive oil … this chapter on the oils you are using in your life will be life-changing to a healthier lifestyle.

How does this all tie in to Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical? We are very committed to “Your Comfort is our Central concern” … and to creating “Lifelong Relationships and Raving Fans” … we want to be your contractor of choice for many decades to come! Call us this coming week to get your home’s heating and cooling system thoroughly checked out before our hot weather is upon us.

TEN BRAIN FOODS: FROM “GENIUS FOODS” •

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 to 4 T/day

Avocados

Blueberries

Dark chocolate

Eggs – grass fed

Beef – grass fed

Dark leafy greens

Broccoli

Wild salmon

Almonds

And check out both Human Longevity and Health Nucleus, and sign up today … to engage in the future of our society by partnering up with these research partners

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Over the past few years I have been very dedicated in developing Leaders within our Company. Everyday we have a choice in how we are going to run our day… either it runs you or you run it. In an Industry like ours, we are in the business to find “Solutions” to your problems. It can be a bit wearing at times on my Call Center, because most the calls they receive are based on something needing to be fixed.

I have worked very hard to develop a Call Center that understands your needs when you call and not get hung up on the problems, but to get you taken care of, no matter how many calls we already have scheduled, the solution will follow. The word “BUSY” is a HUGE four-letter word for me…and I am very clear with our Team, we are not busy until our entire year is booked out for each Technician. We have developed some tools to help guide our Team to be successful when receiving your call…it is just human nature to “plurp” an excuse or say the word “BUSY” before we really think about it…when we are really committed to intentionality, my “NEW” favorite word, excuses begin to disappear.

In the book “Good to Great,” by Jim Collins, where he researched why some businesses are just “Good” and others are “Great.” He has a phase in his book when related to intentionality and getting things done, “Good is the Evil of Great.” Think about that for a second, are you OK with “Good enough,” or “Do you strive daily to find greatness in all you do and who you are with?”

Those of us who strive for “Greatness,” are really held back by those that think “Good Enough”’ is OK…and because in our society, the weak will rule…this can cause a lot of dissension…until the “Great” get very clear on the TEAM they either are committed to developing or wanting to be part of.

I have gotten very clear at Central who I want on our Team… “good enough” just really does not work for me any more…for about four years I have been getting very clear on the people who will be on Central’s Team…this takes time to build such a Team, and “Great” is not cheap.

Our Leadership Team and several members on our Team that I see really want to bring “Greatness” into their lives are reading the book, “Developing the Leader within You 2.0,” by John C. Maxwell, one of my Mentors. His second chapter in the book is titled “Priorities” and he shares as No. 3 of priorities, similar to above, “The Good is Always the Enemy of the Best.” It is easy for most people to choose from good or bad, right or wrong…the challenge is when we are faced with two goods. John shares this parable:

A light house keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of the coastline, before the days of electricity, would receive, once a month, a supply of oil to keep the light burning.

Not being far from town, he often had visitors. One night an old woman from the village begged for some oil to keep her family warm. He had pity on her and gave her oil. Another time a father asked for some oil for his lamp so that he could search for his missing son. Another person needed some oil to keep machinery going so that he and his employees could keep working. Each request was good, and each time, the light house keeper gave them oil for their worthy cause.

Toward the end of the month, he noticed the supply of oil was very low. By the last night of the month, it was gone, and the beacon went out. That night in a storm, a ship wrecked on the rocks and lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very repentant. But there was only one reply: “You were given oil for one purpose — to keep that light burning!”

Unfortunately, today, this response is interpreted as being too harsh. In the beginning, when everyone who is now creating judgment was not part of the original directions and commitment by the Lighthouse Keeper, they are coming up with “Excuses” for him, he was just doing the right thing…however, the right thing is the commitment from the beginning and staying true to THIS commitment first and foremost. The “Great” get this, and the “Good” waffle and control for the betterment of the Lighthouse Keeper, however, forgetting the people lost, and his commitment.

Our Society has just plain got clouded, and if you know anything about wine, never drink a wine that is cloudy…we must get back on track to more “Black and White” than all these stupid colors of gray.

So, as I share in each of my columns, your Comfort is my Central concern for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and draining cleaning needs. Today, Central is stronger than we ever have been, and the right home service provider for you, your family and your friends. Everyday, we are committed to making “Lifelong Relationships and Raving Fans,” and staying true to “RIGHT” choice.

Spring Planting: I heard in the News, going to be in the 50s next week. My favorite flowers to plant in pots, this time of year are Pansies…Their name is very deceiving, they are very hardy and cute at this time of year!!!

In my last column I shared about a YouTube video by John Maxwell, “The Five Levels of Leadership”, in this video, he shares, anyone can be a leader...that was very encouraging to me... however, they must want it, and do the work to be it. The ole’ BE – DO – HAVE, unfortunately, no matter who I chat with, where I am, the conversation goes something like this...this “Millennial Generation” just does not get it, they want to BE, skip the ‘DO’ and then Have it all...

OMG, what this generation does not get...without the DO, you will never get to the full potential of HAVE. To really appreciate life and be grateful for the things you do have and appreciate the people in your life. Rolling up our sleeves, getting down in the trenches, feeling a bit of pain, and really working through a project, staying with it, to get to the other side of succeeding, builds up confidence, character and growth that does not happen without the “Do” you will NEVER, earn the stripes.

I am pretty sure the parents, teachers and our “Society Mindset” certainly played a role in these young lives. I remember a moment in time when I was putting our son Michael to bed, and he had just had his first practice of touch football. So we were discussing his day, and he shares, “I am not sure I really like touch football, and do not want to play it.” So, my response to this 9-year old BOY, “Well we had talked about this, and it is really hard to determine you do not like something when you do it only once. Let’s do this, if after you have finished the season (which was 6 weeks long – not going to kill him) you still are not liking it, you will not have to sign up again.”

So, he finishes out the season, ended up loving it, and went on to play foot- ball at Carroll College, played in 3 National championships, and won two!! Our Society Mindset, and it still is out there today...as parents, Teachers and other Adults in their lives, we make it too easy and then they do not learn the confidence or the self-discipline to succeed in life when they go out on their own. Our goal as a parent is to guide our children...what does a 9 year old little boy know about life that he can just quit if the going gets a bit tough. We must allow our children to participate and fail, in order to succeed.

To this day, one of the “Stupidest” sports concept that my family was exposed to, is NOT keeping score when they were in grade school and played Soccer, REALLY!!

I would like to find the parent(s) that came up with this wonderful idea and see how successful their children are once leaving the “Hovering” of their parents. Evan though this was a “RULE”, I, my husband and our children and most all the other parents and players STILL kept score. Life is all about winning and losing and learning how to pick yourself up and try again. My children have been on winning teams and losing teams, they have had good teachers and not so good teachers...’HELLO’, that is called life. When they enter the ‘REAL’ world without their parent’s hovering, life hits them in the face, and now we have the same parents writing articles on how to best employ this Adult generation.

Our daughter, Lauren, is going to be doing an internship in Seattle this Summer and currently has a lot going on as she is working on her Master’s. Meanwhile she is looking for a place to live, and was sharing how really time consuming it is to find something that will fit her budget and within reason to where she will be working. And through our conversation, I did think briefly that I could take this on for her, and just as I was thinking this,

out of my mouth comes, “Well, this is just one of those things in life that does take a bit of time, but when you find the right spot, you will appreciate it...Welcome to Adulthood.”

Dan Sullivan, the owner of a company called, “Strategic Coach”, shares, “I just really do not want to really engage with any one until they really get into their forties. As we are in our twenties we are still operating off the values of our parents, good or bad, and then we hopefully get a job, may get married, have a few kids and then in our thirties, you really have to start designing your life and what it will be...our real life experiences are what shape us and then how we ‘DEAL’ with life, is the true essence of how successful someone can be. Do they just let life rule them, or are they making sound decisions to grow, build a strong value base for themselves and their family.”

If the Millennial are from the years of when they were born, 1982 – 2004, their ages today are 13 – 35, we may just need to see how they grow as they enter into their forties.

Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . .As always, Your Comfort is my Central concern for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical & drain cleaning needs. And no different than how I raised my own children, I am committed to our Team members to have the opportunity to grow, not only professionally, but personally as well, everyday.

Value; this can be a very BIG word, and its interpretation can be subject to opinion. So I looked up the general definition: “the regard that something is held to deserve, the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. The word value could also be a person’s or business’ principles or standards of behavior, one’s judgment of what is important in life.”

At Central, we are committed to customer service training for our Call Center, Service Technicians and Installers EVERY week. Our Team is in constant communication throughout the day to make sure you are being taken care of in a timely manner. Our Field Team is trained weekly on all the new technical information. Heating and cooling systems are much more complicated than they were even a few years ago and soon, “smart” thermostats will be the norm. Throughout the year additional off-site trainings are scheduled with a best practice group we belong to called “Nexstar”.

The Heating/Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical trades are very important to the overall safety and sanitation for our valley, and I take this personally to make sure our team is trained appropriately. As your home ages, things need to be updated. What many of you don’t know — especially if you are living in our valley, and I take this personally to

make sure our team is trained appropriately. As your home ages, things need to be updated. What many of you don’t know — especially if you are living in a “spec” home, or a house built before a buyer was involved — is that we are finding a poor quality of workmanship and equipment throughout our valley. It is wrong to assume all service/ replacement businesses are the same. Just as in the food industry, you have your fast-food burgers and you have well-trained chefs that create a gourmet burger. When you bite into it, you just want more, and we expect to pay more for that.

As the president of Central, I need to know what it costs to stay in business. But even bigger than that, I need to know what my team is going to do bigger and better than the “fast food” contractor. If you are given advice over the phone, to just go to: “1-800, you-can-do-it-yourself website”, it is because they do not want to come to your home. These contractors do not like service; they are into “New Construction” and their prices run into the thousands of dollars.

The other day, I took a call from a woman I will call Sarah, from Whitefish. Right out the get-go, Sarah asked “how do you sleep at night? I called the “1-800 plumber, and he said ‘You can buy that online for half the price and install it yourself.’” (This plumber had not been to her home, and was not offering to come to her home). So we sent two guys, a Master Electrician and Journeyman plumber — both licensed with the State of Montana — there for almost 4 hours to fix it for her and she paid $89.00.

As a woman-run company, there are a few things you are going to get that are different from my male counterparts in the valley:

Always parking respectfully

Always well-groomed and in uniform, always with shoes covered, and with drop-cloths. Our Team will spend time with you when they arrive to let you know what to expect while they are in your home

I expect my guys to do a thorough evaluation of your home, inside and out, with ALL the services we off — period. In the example above, my plumber spent almost two and half hours doing a thorough evaluation of the woman’s home and then sharing with her some items of concern to be aware of as her home ages.

We will always share what the immediate solution is today. Most contractors are not about educating the consumer, they are concerned about their pockets today. My background is unique for a business like this. I have a secondary education degree, and have taught hundreds of Adult Education Class. I want my guys to plant seeds today, so that you are prepared in the future. As with Sarah, my plumber was just sharing some seeds she should be aware of, with no intent to do it all today.

Remember, these are guys going into your home — and they could be a bit better at communicating. However, I believe we are leaps and bounds above my valley “Peeps.” Can my Team get better? Always.

We have a fully trained “Call Center” to answer your call when you call…and they answer all of your calls 24/7.

We just did a major overall to our Technical Training area in our shop. I want to make sure we’re staying ahead of the Technical arena. Soon, all homes will have a “Smart Thermostat.” The guy on the phone, referring you to go online and do it yourself, he is not investing in you.

We are always here to build “Value” for our customers, so when you bite into our “burger,” you want more. That’s why your comfort is my Central concern, now and in the future.

Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . .Call: (406)756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

The big game is just a little over a week away, and depending on which reporter’s article you read, the Super Bowl game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots could go either way. And as we saw in the miraculous win by the Vikings against the Saints, football games can be won by one play.

That was unfortunate for the Vikings, who would have had a short drive to the Super Bowl, but just could not get it together last weekend. This year the Super Bowl will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, which saw its first game in 2016. According to the U.S. Bank website, this stadium cost $1.1 billion to build, spans seven levels and will expand from 66,655 seats to 70,000 seats for the Super Bowl. And to ensure that the fans do not miss a play while heading to one of the 430 concession stands, there are 2,000 HD flat-screen TVs strategically placed throughout the stadium.

It is estimated that approximately 175 million people will be watching the game this year, and with that said, I have come up with a few items to ensure your guests are comfortable, your space is inviting and there is plenty of food for everyone’s tastes:

First of all, the television will be the focal point, so rearrange your furniture, if need be, to maximize the space and to create a relaxing atmosphere.

My favorite go-to snack for a coffee table is two-thirds dry-roasted peanuts and one-third M&M’s. And if I can, the color of the M&M’s would match my favorite team’s colors.

Simplify your party plan. Your guests are coming for the party and want to pitch in. I like to choose a few favorite items to make and then ask people to bring their favorite “tailgate food.” Keep it simple with one signature cocktail, beer and wine. For the non-alcoholic drink of choice, I always have sparkling water on hand as well as a pitcher of flavored water, with either slices of lemon, lime or cucumber — it just makes it a bit more festive. This time of year, blood oranges are in season and are a good complement.

Plan ahead, and go to the grocery store a few days before to get all that you need including items to add a bit of fun, like napkins and plates in your team’s colors.

Make your life easier, and set up everything, so your guests can just help themselves. Then you can kick back and enjoy the evening as well

Research shows that most people are comfortable in a room temperature of 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. As your guests overall will add warmth to your space, I usually turn down our thermostat about an hour before our guests arrive.

And if you are an Eagles fan, get your beer mug ready and watch out for the “FREE” beer that their offensive lineman Lane Johnson promised when he commented earlier this year, “We win the Super bowl, I am giving out free beer to everyone.” Sounds like Bud Light, one of the main sponsors of the NFL, tweeted, “Hey Lane. We’ve got your back.”